f them stood a tall and
noble-looking figure.

"It is Caleb," said Miriam, "Caleb who has come to save us."

Caleb it was indeed. At a distance of ten paces from the steps he halted
his boat and called aloud:

"Benoni, Lady Miriam and Nehushta, if you still live, stand forward."

They stood forward.

"Now wade into the sea," he cried again, and they waded out until
the water reached their armpits, when they were seized one by one and
dragged into the boat. Many followed them and were also dragged in,
until that boat and the other were quite full, whereon they turned and
were rowed to the galley. Having embarked them, the two boats went
back and again were filled with fugitives, for the most part women and
children.

Again they went, but as they laded for the third time, the ends of
ladders appeared above the encircling walls of the steps, and Syrians
could be seen rushing out upon the portico, whence they began to lower
themselves with ropes. The end of that scene was dreadful. The boats
were full, till the water indeed began to overflow their gunwales,
but many still remained upon the steps or rushed into the water,
women screaming and holding their children above their heads, and men
thrusting them aside in the mad rush for life. The boats rowed off, some
who could swim following them. For the rest, their end was the sword. In
all, seventy souls were rescued.

Miriam flung herself downwards upon the deck of the galley and burst
into tears, crying out:

"Oh! save them! Can no one save them?" while Benoni seated at her side,
the water running from his blood-stained garment, moaned:

"My house sacked; my wealth taken; my people slain by the Gentiles!"

"Thank God Who has saved us," broke in old Nehushta, "God and Caleb; and
as for you, master, blame yourself. Did not we Christians warn you of
what was to come? Well, as it has been in the beginning, so it shall be
in the end."

Just then Caleb appeared before them, proud and flushed with triumph,
as he well might be who had done great things and saved Miriam from the
sword. Benoni rose and, casting his arms about his neck, embraced him.

"Behold your deliverer!" he said to Miriam, and stooping down, he drew
her to her feet.

"I thank you, Caleb. I can say no more," she murmured; but in her
heart she knew that God had delivered her and that Caleb was but His
instrument.

"I am well repaid," answered Caleb gravely. "For me this has been a
fortunate day, w